The Other Birds: Who Flew Under the Radar in Week 1?
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Washington Commanders in Week 1, narrowly escaping with a final score of 24-22. By now, everyone is likely well aware of the performances by Philadelphia’s star players such as quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley. But what about the players that had an underrated impact against the Commanders? Introducing — The Other Birds!
Darius Cooper
Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like Eagles second-year wide receiver Darius Cooper was slated to be a big part of Philadelphia’s offense. Fast forward to Week 1 and Cooper was relegated to fourth on Philadelphia’s wide receiver depth chart, as he only played eight snaps on offense. Yet that didn’t prevent Cooper from making an underrated impact in Week 1.
While some players may sulk after having a reduced role, Cooper made the most of his opportunities against the Commanders. Cooper recorded a team-high four total tackles on special teams, which was also the highest mark across the NFL in Week 1. The 24-year-old recorded those four total tackles in just 12 snaps on Philadelphia’s coverage teams. That’s an absurd percentage and Cooper could be developing into a special teams ace.
Cooper’s physicality also carried over to his eight snaps on offense. The Eagles called a designed run on five of Cooper’s eight offensive snaps. Philadelphia gained 62 yards on those five carries, including a 42-yard run by Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Four of those five carries also went for at least six yards or more. While Cooper may never be a top three wide receiver on Philadelphia’s depth chart, he’s clearly embracing his role as a key special teams player and dirty work wide receiver.
E.J. Jenkins
Eagles backup tight end E.J. Jenkins was on the field for just one offensive snap. Yet it happened to be the biggest play of the game. Jenkins and veteran tight end Johnny Mundt were tasked with blocking the edge on Jalen Hurts’ blindside and the 27-year-old essentially did it all on his own. Commanders rookie edge rusher Joshua Josephs couldn’t get past Jenkins and Hurts had more than enough time to find Dontayvion Wicks for a deep, 64-yard completion.
Jenkins also showed his value as a core special teams player. Only Eagles backup cornerback Kelee Ringo (26) played more snaps than Jenkins (25) did on special teams in Week 1. Jenkins played on all of Philadelphia’s special teams units except field goal block. In just one game, Jenkins played more snaps on special teams than either Grant Calcaterra or Cameron Latu played in a single game last season as backup tight ends.